“The results of this targeted enforcement operation underscore ICE’s ongoing commitment and focus on the arrest and removal of convicted criminal aliens and those that game our nation’s immigration system,” said ICE Director John Morton in a statement.

The crackdown took place in all 50 states, and led to the arrest of 2,901 individuals, of which 42 were gang members and 151 were convicted sex offenders, according to ICE.

Eighteen weapons were seized in the raids, which was the largest of its kind and involved more than 1,900 ICE officers.

In August, the White House announced that it would suspend deportation proceedings against many illegal immigrants who pose no threat to national security or public safety, and that it would use “prosecutorial discretion” to focus on deporting criminals and people who have flagrantly violated immigration laws.

Obama said Wednesday that he has tried to implement immigration policies that are “as fair, humane, just as we can, recognizing, though, that the laws themselves need to be changed,” during an online Q-and-A event with Hispanics.

The ICE announcement came just as a federal judge gave the green light to Alabama to enforce key parts of its controversial immigration law. U.S. District Judge Sharon Blackburn ruled on Wednesday that Alabama could enforce a law requiring schools to verify students’ immigration status, and for police to determine citizenship and immigration status of those they stop, detain or arrest.